The Electoral College Protects Smaller States

The most important advantage of the Electoral College is that it prevents smaller states from being overshadowed by larger ones. If it were not for the Electoral College, the presidency would be awarded to the candidate who receives the most popular votes, and candidates would have no incentive to cater to voters in low-populated states (U.S. Senate, 2023). Instead, they would campaign in densely populated cities to garner the highest number of votes. The Electoral College ensures that all states, regardless of size, will have a voice in determining the presidential election's outcome, ensuring a balance of power between regions. The system also provides backing for the federalist structure of the U.S., created to give both state and federal governments a share in governance. Some critics of the Electoral College argue that small states have an unfair advantage, but that is consistent with the design of the United States. (National Archives, 2020). The Senate gives each state equal representation, while the House of Representatives coincides with the population of each state. Rather than being a hindrance to democracy, the Electoral College ensures that all states, and thus all voters, have an important say in elections.